Listen Bessie Smith’s “Downhearted Blues” and “Empty Bed Blues.” What is innovative or unique about her vocal style, and her artistic approach? How does her voice contrast with the music. How are these recordings emblematic of Classic blues music in the 1920s? Review the lyrics for both songs (attached below), and discuss what the songs are seemingly about; and describe her use of language and colorful imagery. How might these songs exhibit a sense of liberated feminism?

QUESTION

Read the particle, listen to the music then analysis the song

Part 1: (300 words)

Listen Bessie Smith’s “Downhearted Blues” and “Empty Bed Blues.” What is innovative or unique about her vocal style, and her artistic approach? How does her voice contrast with the music. How are these recordings emblematic of Classic blues music in the 1920s? Review the lyrics for both songs (attached below), and discuss what the songs are seemingly about; and describe her use of language and colorful imagery. How might these songs exhibit a sense of liberated feminism?

Down hearted Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go6TiLIeVZA

Bessie Smith – “Empty Bed Blues” (1928): Bessie Smith – “Empty Bed Blues” (1928)

Part 2:

Listen to the following three Duke Ellington compositions. Compare and contrast these songs and create a list of musical attributes or characteristics that define the Ellington style. How does Ellington use instrumentation and space in his compositional pieces? What sounds unique about Ellington’s style? Which of the three did you enjoy the most? (300 words)

Duke Ellington Orchestra – “Black and Tan Fantasy” (1928)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O_VqmgoB4o

Duke Ellington – “It Don’t Mean A Thing” (1931)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FvsgGp8rSE (Links to an external site.)

Duke Ellington Orchestra – “Sophisticated Lady” (1933)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y__G3Pa5Fw

ANSWER

“Exploring the Innovative Styles of Bessie Smith and Duke Ellington in Classic Blues and Jazz Music of the 1920s”

Part 1

Bessie Smith, often referred to as the “Empress of the Blues,” made a significant impact on the music scene of the 1920s with her distinctive vocal style and artistic approach. When listening to her songs like “Downhearted Blues” and “Empty Bed Blues,” it becomes evident that Smith possessed a unique ability to infuse her performances with raw emotion and expressiveness.

Smith’s vocal style is characterized by her powerful, soulful delivery. Her voice is rich and resonant, conveying a profound sense of sadness and longing. She often employs a wide range of vocal techniques, including melisma, bending notes, and rhythmic phrasing, which enhance the emotional depth of her performances. Her voice stands in contrast to the music, as it soars above the instrumental accompaniment, demanding the listener’s attention and drawing them into the narrative of the song.

These recordings by Bessie Smith exemplify classic blues music in the 1920s. The blues, as a genre, emerged from African American communities and served as a means of expressing the joys and sorrows of everyday life (Mahon, 2019). Smith’s songs capture the essence of this era with their themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and despair.

When examining the lyrics of “Downhearted Blues” and “Empty Bed Blues,” it is apparent that the songs deal with themes of lost love, betrayal, and the pain of being alone. Smith’s use of language and colorful imagery adds depth and nuance to these narratives. She paints vivid pictures with her words, describing her emotional state and the trials she faces. The lyrics evoke a sense of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Moreover, these songs can be seen as exhibiting a sense of liberated feminism. Smith’s lyrics often challenge traditional gender roles and assert her independence. She speaks openly about her desires, frustrations, and experiences, subverting societal expectations of women at the time. Her confident and assertive delivery empowers women and serves as a form of liberation from the constraints imposed upon them.

Part 2

Duke Ellington, one of the most influential jazz composers and bandleaders of the 20th century, had a distinctive style that left an indelible mark on the music world. By examining his compositions like “Black and Tan Fantasy,” “It Don’t Mean A Thing,” and “Sophisticated Lady,” one can identify key musical attributes that define the Ellington style.

One defining characteristic of Ellington’s music is his masterful use of instrumentation. He employed a diverse range of instruments in his compositions, often featuring intricate and unique combinations (Ken Burns Jazz Transcript, n.d.). In “Black and Tan Fantasy,” the use of muted trumpets and clarinets creates a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere, while “It Don’t Mean A Thing” showcases Ellington’s skillful arrangements for brass and reed sections, creating a lively and energetic sound. “Sophisticated Lady,” on the other hand, exhibits a more subdued and elegant quality through the use of lush strings and a melancholic saxophone solo.

Ellington’s compositions also demonstrate his mastery of space and dynamics. He understood the power of silence and employed it strategically in his pieces. The interplay between the instruments, the carefully crafted pauses, and the tension created through sparse sections contribute to the overall impact of his music. This use of space allows the listener to fully appreciate the individual contributions of each instrument while maintaining a cohesive ensemble sound.

What sounds unique about Ellington’s style is his ability to seamlessly blend various musical influences, including jazz, blues, and classical music (Uzzell, 2018). His compositions often feature intricate harmonies, unexpected chord progressions, and sophisticated melodic lines. This unique fusion of genres and styles resulted in a sound that was both innovative and accessible, appealing to a wide audience.

Among the three compositions, personal preference may vary. However, “Sophisticated Lady” stands out for its poignant beauty and evocative nature. The combination of the heartfelt melody, the lush orchestration, and the emotional depth of the saxophone solo creates a captivating listening experience.

In conclusion, Bessie Smith and Duke Ellington were influential figures in the music landscape of the 1920s. Smith’s vocal style and empowered lyricism showcased liberated feminism, while Ellington’s compositions demonstrated a unique blend of instrumentation, use of space, and fusion of musical genres. Their contributions left an enduring impact on the development of blues and jazz music, setting the stage for future generations of musicians to explore and expand upon their legacies.

References

Ken Burns Jazz Transcript. (n.d.). Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/459848947/Ken-Burns-Jazz-Transcript 

Mahon, M. (2019, August 5). How Bessie Smith Influenced A Century Of Popular Music. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2019/08/05/747738120/how-bessie-smith-influenced-a-century-of-popular-music 

Uzzell, R. (2018, January 29). The Effect of Ellington. Higher Revelations. https://higherrevelations.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/the-effect-of-ellington/